Contraception without the contraception
 

I'm after a method of contraception that is "natural". Basically, my girlfriend can't go on the pill, condoms are a pain to keep using, and she won't do anything else like injections etc.

Anyway, we're both on the lookout for alternative methods. She spotted a test kit which apparently tells you (through a daily urine test) when a girl is likely to get pregnant. From what I gather, for two weeks out of every 4, a girl can't get pregnant at all, because of the egg being not ready or something, and this test can tell you when those days are. Does anyone else know about this? Is it reliable? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

You know what they call people who use those kits? Mommy and Daddy.

The rhythm method (which is what that kit is designed to help you use) is a small step up from the "fuck and pray" method, but it's a small step.

What are her objections to "chemical" methods like the pill, shots, patch, etc? Does she have health reasons? Outside of those, barrier methods are about your only options. What about a diaphragm (probably as much hassle as condoms, but an alternative)?

The rhythm method is not terribly reliable. Women don't always ovulate at the same time every month, and the tests are not always accurate.

Take a look at plannedparenthood.org's list of birth control methods and see if anything else strikes your fancy. If you're not willing/able to use something that's more effective, be prepared for the pitter patter of little feet.

Condoms are "a pain to keep using?" Please. Grow up and wrap up.

Anal sex should work pretty well.

Either that or try vatican roulette, Daddy, err... I mean Growse.

Anal sex doesn't guarentee you no pregnency -- Precauations still need to be taken... (Sperm drips) In some thread somewhere on this forum, I quoted the percentage of pregnancies resulted in anal sex - (I'm too lazy too search) but the number is a lot higher than expected.

Even using "unnatural" birth control pills has its "pitters and patters". Ever hear that the first kid can come at any time, but the rest take 9 months? It helps me as I get older as my Wedding Anniversary and daughters birthday coincide. Less to remember.

If she's really good with numbers and timing and knows her ovulation/menstrual cycle better than she knows her way to work, yeah, she can use that method. But it's a lot more risky, and a lot more work, than just wrapping that rascal.

What do you mean by "natural"?

If your talking no type of drugs (the pill, depo etc) and no barrier methods (condoms, diaphram) the only thing that comes to mind is an IUD.

Note that there are two versions of an IUD - one version releases hormones.

Maleficent, I think you said it was 8% of pregnancies are from anal sex.

Dude, seriously, condoms. If you don't have money, go to Planned Parenthood. If you're going to have sex, do it RESPONSIBLY.

I didn't think it was particularly reliable. Just wanted to make sure though. She can't gon the pill, because she reacts to it really rather badly. And I don't care what anyone says, condoms *are* a pain to keep using. Anyone who reads that and assume I said "Oh, I might as well do without" needs their eyes testing. I'm merely trying to seek out alternatives.

There's more than one variety of birth control pills, has she talked to her doctor about her concerns and her reactions to it, there might be another pill that is more suitable for her.

Well, you could get fixed, or so could she, if you can find a doctor that will do it. That way you would never need to worry about being called dad.

Yeah...a vasectomy will take care of it....and Im sure if you got one like Clavus' you'd be laying on that table thinking condoms REALLY werent such a pain after all

if you cant be grown up enuff to deal with the condoms, they maybe you need to decide if you're actually grown up enuff for the responsibility of having sex at all, I dont know any guy that actually LIKES condoms, but I personally wouldnt date a guy that wouldnt use them because they were a "pain"

Agreed. All I know is that kids are a bigger pain than condoms.

Seriously, a condom may be a pain but just imagine getting your girlfriend pregnant. Just think about it, what you would have to go through, the rest of your life will be altered no matter what you decide to do about it. Why risk it? Have her look into birth control, there are so many methods out there, one of them is bound to suit your needs. If you can't find one, then do us all a favor and keep it in your pants! The last thing this world needs is another unwanted bastard child.

cripes dude..if condoms are that much of a pain......you need to get off your arse. The next best 'natural' methose is get your boys snipped...or dont' slam at all. Geez I can't believe people still have this opinion on condoms after all the std's and aids.....it's 2004 folks!

Why is everyone getting on this guy's case so much? Condoms are a pain but he didn't say he wasn't using them, did he? I'm a girl and I hate condoms too - if I thought I was going to be stuck using condoms for the rest of my sex life I would be very bummed. All he did was ask about alternatives, get off your high horses.

Anyway, for years I was one of those people who seem to fall through the contraception cracks and couldn't find a method that seemed right for me...now I use a nifty thing called tubal ligation. :)

wife hated the condoms - I didn't care.

wife didn't want to take pill - I didn't care.

I just wanted some sort of birth control pill...

what do we both care about? having kids suddenly...she's finally trying the pill and has been on it for 2 months now. Her issues were that she didn't want to mess with the hormones of her body. Getting pregnant messes with the hormones of the body, hence the morning sickness....

Well, I personally wouldn't rely on it for birth control, but my wife used the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health in order to get pregnant. I'd recommend you read it as well; there's a lot of detailed information in there. Your GF will have to take and record her temperature every morning before getting out of bed as a tracking method.

Effectiveness of Condoms

Condoms aren't overly effective in preventing pregnancy either...
The site lists other barrier methods of birth control she might want to investigate...

Sorry, but as far as I know, thats one thing that you should ALWAYS use a condom for.

And I don't see how doing a daily urine test is less a pain in the ass then you putting on a condom. Other than the fact of you just dumping the responsibilty on her so you don't have to do anything.

My profound sympathies Growse. I know exactly how you feel. My wife won't take the pill "because she doesn't want to" and for me sex with a condom is just a waste of time. I barely feel anything at all. I have tried all brands, all sub-brands and all materials but they are all crap. My wife tried the IUD but had it removed as it would hurt me during sex.

Does anyone know anything about this "male pill" that I remember hearing something about a while back?

Won't be even close to approved for at least a few years, unfortunately.

Did you know that a natural sponge soaked in lemon juice is effective?

Check out barrier methods on this page:

http://www.ppct.org/ppconnect/v3n5.htm

Vasectomy is the only way!

Condoms are more effective than statistics say. The reason the stats are so low is that there are a lot of guys that carry them in their wallets, etc, use them past expiration dates, pull them out wrong, whatever. If used properly, they have a respectably higher success rate.

I'd say look into a diaphragm, buddy (assuming you've both been tested for STDs). They work pretty well, they're reusable, and probably not quite such a pain.

IUD...worked for me!

I've been on two different kinds of pills as well as the shot, and all three seriously fucked with my hormones. I gained weight, became depressed, and generally felt miserable. But, for some reason, the hormones in Ortho Evra ("the patch") don't bother me at all.

Your girlfriend can't give up on birth control because she only tried one and happened to have an adverse reaction. Have her try the patch... everyone I know that's on it absolutely loves it, and you only have to change it three times a month. Or have her try the shot, or a different pill. Hormonal methods of BC are the most effective when used correctly (save for vasectomy and tubal ligation) so, unless you're ready to get snipped, or have a little one calling you "daddy," get her trying out other methods of hormonal BC. Good luck!

a sponge soaked in lemon juice? for 1 who wants to put lemon juice in such a very private area? 2 that seems about as effective as doushing with coke. i had problems with hormonal birth control too..the shot is the worst, teh pill is second then teh patch..but the nuva ring just puts the hormones in a specific area..so its really not a big deal and very few people get sick from it at all. you cant feel it and it stays in. however..there is no exuse for not using condoms. no hormonal method is 100%, no one method is 100% for that matter and if you talk to any gyno tehy will tell you to use a condom or a diaphram AND birthcontrol..and as for the sensitivity issues with condoms..try kimono brand

Dude,

The only way to have sex without ure best friend being wrapped is by getting your Mrs pregnant dude, then you can enjoy at least 9 solid months of no-condom sex.. after that.. pfft..beats me.. at least i got a short term answer..dont crucify me for the long term :)

oh yeah..you guys should lighten up on the guy...he's just looking for an alternative, didnt say he wasnt using the rubbers.

there are patches now... or maybe you could stop having sex. if you can't use protection 'cause it's a "pain" then just stop fucking.

I think we scared him away

I dunno...condoms aren't perfect either. One time I used one, and when I pulled out to finish, it broke through the condom and ended up all over the place. The scary thing is you can't feel when a condom is going to break; it just does.

the problem is that condoms like dry out..lol altho getting the right size is an issue too sometimes...i swear by the kimono condoms..you can barely feel them not the sex...plus thier super strong..seriously..

If you dare to go down the "natural" path - do some research on BabyComp. It's a small "computer" who measures her body temperature each morning, and she pushes a button to indicate her period. After 3 months it's very accurate. Each morning she will be woken by an alarm, put the temperature sensor under her tounge for a minute, an a green/red light wil show - telling her to "go for it" or not (Condoms are for those red days)